Rachael Hamilton MSP sponsored a roundtable organised by the British Heart Foundation to discuss heart disease in women this week in Holyrood.
The roundtable meeting in the Parliament brought together interested clinicians and MSPs to discuss the topic and the potential solutions. Women often face inequalities in diagnosis, treatment and care relating to heart disease.
There are more than 800,000 women in the UK living with coronary heart disease, which is the main cause of heart attacks. 35,000 women are admitted to hospital following a heart attack each year in the UK - an average of 98 women per day, or 4 per hour.
Monica Lennon MSP (Labour) joined Ms Hamilton in the discussions on ways forward in tackling heart related diseases.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“People often think of heart disease as something that affects predominantly men, but 35,000 women are admitted to hospital across the UK every year.
“There is a need for more awareness of the impact of heart disease on women both amongst the general public and education amongst health care professionals
“I was delighted to sponsor the roundtable that brought together other women from other political parties to join the discussion.
“There are often inequalities that women face when being diagnosed with heart disease, and we must see these end.
“I look forward to positive action arising from this roundtable, it is vital we see heart disease cases falling”.